Week of celebrations to mark Armed Forces Day in North Kesteven

PAST and present military personnel are being honoured in North Kesteven with a week of celebrations dedicated to their efforts.

North Kesteven District Council, in conjunction with the RAF and Sleaford Town Council, have organised several events which began on Monday.

These will culminate with a special parade through Sleaford on Sunday, July 1 to honour HM Armed Forces Day.

Council leader Councillor Marion Brighton said: “Armed Forces Day is a key date in North Kesteven’s calendar. It is when we commemorate our Armed Forces personnel and show our respect and thanks for all that they do and have done in the past. We hope that many people will support the parade, pay tribute to our armed forces, past present and future, and enjoy the activities taking place on the day — both before and after the parade.”

The Armed Forces Day flag was raised at North Kesteven District Council in Sleaford on Monday to mark the beginning of this special week.

And, on Friday HM Armed Forces veterans will be honoured at a special evening ceremony at North Kesteven District Council where Veterans Badges will be awarded.

On Sunday, July 1, a formal parade will take place through Sleaford town centre. A military band, former and serving military personnel and cadets will gather at Station Road at 10.45am and parade along Southgate to the Market Place. They will be joined by a parade of vehicles with military connections.

Once assembled, a fly-past of military aircraft is scheduled for 11am. Following a blessing and a word of thanks from North Kesteven District Council chairman councillor Ray Cucksey, the parade will continue along Eastgate, where Wing Commander Bennett of RAF Cranwell and Mrs Sarah Robinson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lincolnshire, will take the salute. The parade will then continue to Eastgate Car Park where it will disburse.

The public are invited to follow the parade to Eastgate Green, where the military band will continue to play to entertain spectators for around 15 minutes. This will be followed by a performance from Cranwell Primary School Choir, stalls and stands, refreshments, vehicle display and children’s activities for members of the public to enjoy. These activities will be available from 9.30am until 1.30pm.